USyd Philosophy Postgraduate Work-in-Progress Seminar Tosh Ringland-Stewart: 'Contractarian Ethics and the Moral Standing of Animals'
Monday, May 30, 3:30–5pm, Philosophy Common Room (Main Quad, University of Sydney) ABSTRACT: One of the most familiar criticisms of social contract theories of ethics is that they are unable to grant moral standing to animals in a way that accords with our considered intuitions. In particular, they struggle to account for the intuition that animals have intrinsic moral value. I respond to this in two ways. Firstly, I doubt that social contract theories are out of step with our (carefully considered) intuitions in this matter. Secondly, I argue that intrinsicality is not a useful or applicable notion for theories of this sort. If I am right, then the criticism seems misguided. Everyone is welcome to attend. If you would like to present or require further information, please contact Nick Malpas at [email protected] The format is 30 minutes for presentations followed by 1 hour of discussion. Since the primary aim of this seminar is to generate discussion, presentations need not be particularly polished or formal. _______________________________________________ SydPhil mailing list: http://sydphil.info 1000 subscribers now served!! To UNSUBSCRIBE, change your MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS, find ANSWERS TO COMMON PROBLEMS, or visit our ONLINE ARCHIVES, please go to the LIST INFORMATION PAGE: http://sydphil.info
